Hofstede's Long-term vs Short-term Orientation

 Hello guys!

Today I will be talking about long term and short term orientation. When it comes to Japan ive come to understand they are very long term oriented. This means they prioritise future satisfaction instead of directly. I think this can be noticed clearly in Japans rapid economic growth after WW2 as companies was working with the future in mind. Also one of the signs of the long term orientation is rapid economical growth. Another characteristic of long term orientation is modest view of yourself. This is also sonething heavily connected to Japanese culture as modesty or Kenkyo which its called is a big part of their culture. Kenkyo means that Japanese people often emphasize humility, group harmony and respect (Japan intercultural consulting). 

When it comes to Sweden we are more of the short term orientation according to Hofstede. Now maybe im confused about the meaning of the different orientations but I would like to say that its very uncommon to meet someone in Sweden that isnt very career driven. Before the class I would definitely say Sweden is very long term oriented. We are also very modest when it comes to showing wealth as we have an unwritten law called the law of jante which exactly means dont show off your cash. However Hofstede is the pro so by his metrics Sweden ranks a solid 31 (?). We do stick to traditions which is a characteristic of short term orientation I guess. 

To sum up this blog I feel this subject was one of the hardest to wrap my head around. Maybe just the different names Hofstede gave is the cause for my lack of understanding. 


Source :

https://japanintercultural.com/free-resources/articles/modesty-the-talanted-hawk-does-not-show-its-claws/


  

Kommentarer

  1. Hristiyan15 december 2025 kl. 22:17

    Sweden mentioned 🇸🇪🗣️

    SvaraRadera
  2. Nora15 december 2025 kl. 22:18

    Yeah, Hofstede's data is outdated.

    SvaraRadera
  3. Hayden15 december 2025 kl. 22:21

    I noticed similar issues with Hofstede's data, as it did not really match perceived realities (like you remark on Sweden being scored low but seeming like it should be scored higher).

    SvaraRadera

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